Episodes

  • Law Talk 6-21-25
    Jun 21 2025
    1. Protecting people who volunteer to lead/ work at nonprofit corporations: Volunteers needn't worry. We went over the several levels of protection the law provides for volunteers — and what the definition of a "volunteer" is for these purposes anyway. 2. A tale of 2 sisters hurt in a Bar Room fracas — and how the bar owner's mishandling of the case cost him easily twice as much as it might have otherwise -- along with licensing problems going forward. 3. Another law suit seeking "inconvenience damages" for the hassle of dealing with police, insurance companies, appraisers, and body shops after a car accident — and what this Judge did with the claim. Is this the death knell for "inconvenience damages" claims, or was it just poorly presented?
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    34 mins
  • Law Talk 6-14-25
    Jun 14 2025
    In this episode, we explore a unique fender bender case that highlights not just financial loss, but also the often overlooked issue of inconvenience damages, covering the hassle of insurance claims, repairs, and general disruption. Listeners call in with questions, including one about vehicle safety concerns following a faulty garage repair, and another seeking tips on buying used cars, particularly from private sellers who flip them. We also discuss a case of employee embezzlement involving template fraud, which led to a civil lawsuit for theft and conversion.
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    39 mins
  • Law Talk 6-7-25
    Jun 7 2025
    Today, we talk about a unique case where a passionate tree lover sues a town and its tree warden over the removal of a cherished tree. We explore the legal avenues available when local authorities decide to cut down trees and explain the differences between classical and statutory agreements. We also tale listener calls, including one about a probate court issue and another concerning the legal implications of driving while experiencing vestibular migraines and taking prescription medication that may cause wooziness.
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    39 mins
  • Law Talk 5-31-25
    May 31 2025
    Today's show covers a range of legal topics, including a call from a listener asking about claiming mental anguish from a car accident in small claims court, with advice on what to watch out for. We also discuss a case involving "inconvenience damages," a U.S. Supreme Court First Amendment case about a student wearing a controversial shirt to school, and a medical malpractice case centered on an insufficient opinion letter. Additional caller questions include topics on purchasing securities, land trusts, and workers compensation.
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    40 mins
  • Law Talk 5-17-25
    May 17 2025
    1. The ever-evolving law regarding dog bite litigation: Can the dog owner's landlord be liable for the injuries caused by the tenant's vicious dog? You might be surprised. 2. Crystal is intoxicated when she climbs behind the wheel of a car, leaves her parents' home, and drives right into a serious car accident (in which, unfortunately, Crystal perishes). the other injured parties survive. They sue Crystal's estate AND her parents. Can the parents be held liable for Crystal's acts in this matter? 3. Another trip to Housing Court: Can a Section 8 tenant be evicted after he files a complaint against the landlord with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)? He claims "discrimination." He claims "retaliation." We looked at what happened at Court. Some valuable information for both landlords and tenants. 4. Erica hates that her neighbors, Michael and Barbara, have a badly diseased oak tree near the property line. so, she sues them and seeks a court order that they remove it. What's a "private nuisance?" and what's "mootness?" One more case with neighbors invoking the powers of the Court to stick it to each other. We reveal what happened and what we can all learn from it.
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    35 mins
  • Law Talk 5-10-25
    May 10 2025
    In today's discussion, we explore the concept of reasonable attorneys' fees, and how judges determine what qualifies as reasonable, with a case study from a commercial dispute between companies. We also examine the legal issue of a "spite fence," explaining what it is, why it matters, and reviewing a relevant case. Lastly, we delve into a serious animal neglect case in Connecticut involving multiple animals, highlighting that cruel neglect or mistreatment of animals is considered a felony under state law.
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    41 mins
  • Law Talk 5-3-25
    May 3 2025
    Today’s discussion focuses on estate planning, including an in depth exploration of what works, what doesn’t, and key legal considerations. The topic covers the distinction between probate court assets (which go through the court process) and non probate court assets (which bypass the court). An example case is provided: a woman with a will that divides her estate among five people. Two of these people move in to care for her and convince her that the others don’t care and want to steal from her. As a result, a new will is created, leaving everything to the two caretakers. This leads to a will contest and raises the issue of Dependent Relative Revocation, a legal concept where a new will may be challenged due to undue influence or mistakes in the revocation process.
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    41 mins
  • Law Talk 4-19-25
    Apr 19 2025
    Today’s discussion covers several unique legal scenarios. We begin with an unusual case involving an unsigned contract: Can a company enforce the terms of an agreement it never actually signed? Next, we explore whether someone can still lose a lawsuit even when the opposing party fails to appear in court. The “Ongoing Storm Doctrine” is also examined and discussed. Finally, we look at a workers compensation case, raising the question: What happens if an employee is injured on the job, but the employer doesn’t provide workers compensation coverage?
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    39 mins